Karnataka Health Minister Addresses Rise in Cesarean Deliveries

The Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, stated on December 8, 2023, that the state cannot intervene in the rising rates of cesarean deliveries unless it is confirmed that these procedures are being performed intentionally. His comments came in response to concerns raised by Govindaraju, a member of the Legislative Council from the Janata Dal (Secular), regarding the alarming increase in cesarean sections in both government and private hospitals.

According to Govindaraju, cesarean deliveries account for approximately 36 percent of births at Kolar Government Hospital, while private facilities report rates exceeding 76 percent. He expressed concerns that some doctors may be misleading patients into opting for surgical deliveries. “Malnutrition is cited as a key reason for this trend in the Kolar region, but it is not the sole factor,” he noted.

Minister Rao emphasized the complexity of the issue, stating that a pilot project conducted in Tumkur found cesarean rates as high as 75-80 percent in certain hospitals. He remarked, “This is a sensitive issue, and the choice between normal delivery and cesarean delivery is personal.” Rao added that the health department would only take action if it is discovered that cesarean deliveries are being performed without medical necessity.

The Minister acknowledged that while malnutrition contributes to the higher cesarean rates, other factors are also at play. He pointed out that educated, middle-class women in urban areas often choose cesarean deliveries due to social pressures and fears of labor pain. Furthermore, he noted that private hospitals may favor cesarean sections for financial reasons, as they typically involve higher billing compared to normal deliveries.

In response to a separate inquiry from H.S. Gopinath, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Legislative Council, about the challenges at Bengaluru’s major hospitals, Rao addressed concerns regarding long waiting times and shortages of medical staff. He mentioned that the waiting time at K.C. General Hospital has improved due to a new QR code-based ticketing system.

Rao reassured that there are currently no significant delays at Victoria Hospital, which serves patients from neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. He stated that the hospital is actively hiring doctors and paramedical staff on a contract basis to meet demand.

Additionally, the Minister outlined the establishment of non-communicable disease (NCD) units in nine hospitals across Bengaluru, aimed at improving health screening and care. Medicines provided to hospitals are subjected to rigorous quality control measures by the Karnataka State Medical Services and Supplies Corporation Limited, ensuring patient safety.

The ongoing discussion around cesarean deliveries highlights the need for balanced medical practices and informed patient choices in Karnataka’s healthcare landscape. As the state navigates these complex challenges, Minister Rao’s remarks underscore the importance of awareness and education for expectant mothers and their families.